University of the Basque Country

Critical raw materials (CRM) are essential for the success of the twin green and digital transitions worldwide. While every country will require access to CRM supply for achieving decarbonization targets, only a few of them (particularly, China) are home to or control the main global mining deposits or mineral refining capacities. This constitutes a serious hazard for countries that lack clear access to CRM supplies and, consequently, are developing risk mitigation strategies to avoid the costly impact of CRM shortages. An example of this is the European Union (EU), which in 2022 announced a Critical Raw Materials Act, a proposal of which was presented in March 2023, that builds on former EU policies on this topic. Assessing the response of the EU to the high dependency on imports from China of certain CRM that are strategic for the twin transition is crucial to reduce the geopolitical vulnerability of the EU. Moreover, with the expected increase in demand for many of these CRM as Europe moves forward in its decarbonization goals, the dependence on China could even increase in the future. This chapter aims to answer the following research question: how is the EU responding to the increasing risks related to CRM supply and, particularly, to China’s dominant position in most of the associated value chains? Based on the literature on criticality assessment and mitigation strategies for supply risk and the economic impact of supply disruptions, we construct an analytical framework to evaluate the four main pillars initially proposed by the CRM Act, namely, focus on strategic applications; strengthening the supply chain; anticipation through collaboration; and developing a sustainable, level playing field. Lastly, in the light of this evaluation, we discuss the potential implications of the CRM Act for EU-China relations and suggest that a coopetition, rather than competition, approach could better help to materialize opportunities embedded in the common need to move forward with the global energy transition.

Eating disorders are one of the consequences suffered by individuals who are immersed in intimate partner violence. Knowing that intimate partner violence is a social problem that affects men and women all over the world, it is important to examine and detect which factors affect their physical and emotional health. The aim of the present work was to systematically review the association between IPV and ED. In February 2024, a systematic search of Web of Science, Scopus and PsycINFO databases was performed. A total of 689 papers were obtained, of which 155 were excluded as duplicates, resulting in 535 articles. After reviewing the title, abstract and keywords, 485 articles that did not meet the inclusion criteria were eliminated. Subsequently, the remaining 50 papers were read and discrepancies were resolved, achieving 87.3% agreement among judges. Finally, 40 papers met the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. The results clearly show the relationship between IPV and various EDs. Being a victim of IPV, in its different forms (physical, psychological and sexual), has been related to disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. In general, some studies found differences between men and women in the association of the presence of sexual violence and ED symptoms. In conclusion, EDs may be a form of control that individuals exert over their bodies in response to the control exercised by their abusive partners. Addressing the interpersonal sphere by focusing on the management of violent dynamics within the couple is the key to change in individual coping.

Creativity and entrepreneurship are fundamental to the personal and professional development of new generations and for social progress in general. The primary aim of this study was to analyze changes in the creative and entrepreneurial self‐efficacy of undergraduates as they progress through university, and to examine whether these trajectories are influenced by gender. We also explored the impact of engagement on students' creative and entrepreneurial self‐efficacy. The sample comprised 200 undergraduates attending a Spanish university, all of whom completed various measures in Years 1 and 4 of their degree program. Results showed an increase in creative self‐efficacy over time, but no change in entrepreneurial self‐efficacy. Gender had no effect on these trajectories. Two dimensions of student engagement were found to be associated with an increase in both creative and entrepreneurial self‐efficacy by the end of undergraduate study. From a practical point of view, the findings suggest the need to promote learning experiences involving participation in high‐impact practices and reflective and integrative learning.

Background Sex and gender affect Alzheimer’s and Dementia differently. Some studies show that women are diagnosed at a later stage. This represents an essential challenge for healthcare and makes research challenging as gender biases may impact participant selection for clinical trials. We examined recruitment for the CITA GO‐ON trial, a lifestyle intervention trial to prevent cognitive decline. Method The CITA GO‐ON study (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04840030) is a population‐based randomized clinical trial that aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a multidomain lifestyle intervention in preventing cognitive decline. Participants are older adults (60‐85 years) at high risk of dementia (CAIDE dementia risk score ≥ 6) using the Cognitive Change Index and Fototest and Memory Alteration Test (T@M) screening tools. Interested individuals fill out a REDCap online form that allows pre‐selection (by estimated CAIDE) for an individualized face‐to‐face screening visit to confirm eligibility. The descriptive analysis of the recruited sample and the comparison of dementia risk factors and cognitive tool performance between genders are presented. Result Over 2500 subjects showed interest in the study by January 2022 through an online pre‐screening questionnaire. Of these, 60.4% were women (mean age, 67.52 years). After completing the online pre‐selection phase and the screening visit (n = 845), the representation of women dropped to 52.7% and 50.5%, respectively. Table 1 shows some preliminary data on the current recruitment process, which will be finished by Q2 2024. Preselected women have a lower mean CAIDE dementia risk score than men (p<0.001). Women also have fewer years of education and are less physically active. Blood pressure is higher in men. Although both sexes similarly report memory complaints, women perform better in cognition screening tools. Conclusion Women seem to be more interested in initiatives promoting healthy aging. We have observed differences in dementia risk factors between men and women that could be related to sociocultural gender differences in this range of age. As previous studies have shown, in our study women perform better on brief cognitive tests, making them less likely to be selected. This highlights the importance of considering sex and gender for future analysis, trial designs, and recruitment strategies.

Background Alzheimer’s disease (AD) plasma biomarkers related to amyloid (A), tau (T), and neurodegeneration (N) can potentially be used to identify these pathological features of the disease, as shown in recent studies. Our objective was to compare the clinical and analytical performance of plasma AD biomarkers measured using the single‐molecule array (Simoa) and Lumipulse platforms. Method We quantified ATN and AT plasma biomarkers in 127 patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (n = 81), AD (n = 30), and non‐AD dementia (n = 16) using a Simoa HD‐1/HD‐X analyser (Quanterix) and a Lumipulse G600II automated platform (Fujirebio Europe NV). Result We found a strong correlation between the Simoa and Lumipulse methods, although there were systematic differences between biomarker values measured by each method. Concerning the clinical diagnosis, Simoa Ptau181/Aβ42 (AUC 0.739, 95% CI 0.592–0.887) and Lumipulse Aβ42 and Ptau181/Aβ42 (AUC 0.735, 95% CI 0.589–0.882 and AUC 0.733, 95% CI 0.567‐0.900) had the highest discriminating power. However, their power was significantly lower than that of CSF Aβ42/Aβ40, as measured by Lumipulse (AUC 0.879, 95% CI 0.766–0.992). Similarly, Simoa Ptau181 and Lumipulse Ptau181/Aβ42 were the markers most consistent with the CSF Aβ42/Aβ40 status (AUC 0.801, 95% CI 0.712–0.890 vs. AUC 0.870, 95% CI 0.806–0.934, respectively) at the ≥2.127 and ≥0.084 cut‐offs, respectively. Conclusion The Simoa and Lumipulse plasma AD assays showed comparable clinical and analytical performance. However, the performance of these biomarkers is weaker than that of CSF AD biomarkers. Interestingly, both platforms identify plasma Ptau181/Aβ42 as a promising biomarker for AD. At present, the analysed AD plasma biomarkers may be useful for screening to reduce the number of lumbar punctures in the clinical setting. However, the use of these markers as diagnostic tools requires further investigation.

The quest for sustainable materials in offshore renewable energy is critical for mitigating the environmental concerns associated with the use of conventional composites. This study explores the potential of vegetable oil-based polyurethanes (BIO-PUR) as a sustainable alternative to petrochemical-based resins in offshore structural applications. BIO-PUR composites were fabricated, mechanically characterized, and subjected to real-world marine environments in the HarshLab floating laboratory, with exposure durations of 3 and 5 months in both atmospheric and immersion zones. Comprehensive testing, including dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) assessments, showed no significant degradation in the mechanical, thermal, or chemical properties of the composites. Notably, water absorption remained minimal, and the glass transition temperature of the material (Tg) and interlaminar strength remained unchanged after exposure, highlighting the exceptional durability of BIO-PUR in harsh marine environments. These results suggest that BIO-PUR composites could not only meet but potentially surpass the performance requirements for long-term offshore applications, offering a highly promising eco-friendly alternative to traditional composites. This study provides a foundation for future research into the long-term viability of biobased materials in offshore energy systems, paving the way for more sustainable solutions in renewable energy infrastructures. Graphical Abstract

Background Seasonal migrant farmworkers (SMF) make up a significant part of Spain's agricultural labour force. Due to precarious labour conditions, housing insecurity and factors related to migration, SMF are at risk of specific health issues and occupational accidents. In addition, migrants in Spain face barriers when accessing healthcare services. This study explores factors that influence the acceptability of healthcare services among SMF in Spain from the point of view of professionals working with this population. Methods Semi‐structured interviews were conducted among 92 professionals working with SMF in four regions of Spain, including NGO workers, healthcare workers, employees of worker unions, public social services and governmental institutions. A thematic content analysis was performed using Atlas.ti. Results Professionals identified several barriers and facilitators that influence the acceptability of healthcare services among SMF. The main identified barriers were language, different perceptions of health and healthcare between SMF and Spanish professionals, a limited understanding of the Spanish healthcare system, and precarious working and living conditions. The main identified facilitators were professionals taking time to explain healthcare procedures and rights to SMF and support and information from friends, family and other community members. Discussion and Conclusion To overcome barriers, the use of translational services and cultural mediators should be increased. In addition, educational interventions are needed for migrants to better understand the Spanish healthcare system and for healthcare workers to provide culturally appropriate care to migrant patients. Finally, it needs to be considered that inequalities in health and healthcare between SMF and the Spanish native‐born population reach beyond healthcare institutions. They are rooted in structural factors, which include their living and working conditions, social exclusion, and discrimination. Patient or Public Contribution As this study, which is part of a bigger project, aimed to focus on healthcare access mainly from the healthcare system perspective, patients and service users were not involved in this part. Another sub‐study within the project will focus on the experience of SMF. Caregivers were included as study participants and despite not having been directly included in the study design, the open‐ended questions used in this study allowed them to bring up the topics they considered important in the context of this study.

Axions, hypothetical elementary particles that remain undetectable in nature, can arise as quasiparticles in three-dimensional crystals known as axion insulators. Previous implementations of axion insulators have largely been limited to two-dimensional systems, leaving their topological properties in three dimensions unexplored in experiment. Here, we realize an axion insulator in a three-dimensional photonic crystal and probe its topological properties. Demonstrated features include half-quantized Chern numbers on each surface that resembles a fractional Chern insulator, unidirectional chiral hinge states forming topological transport in three dimensions, and arithmetic operations between fractional and integer Chern numbers. Our work experimentally establishes the axion insulator as a three-dimensional topological phase of matter and enables chiral states to form complex, unidirectional three-dimensional networks through braiding.

Background The healthcare sector contributes significantly to global greenhouse emissions, with inhalers being major contributors. Objective To develop a framework for reducing the environmental footprint of inhalers in Spain by implementing greener prescription practices. Methods A multidisciplinary working group was formed, including hospital pharmacists, pulmonologists, and environmental experts. We created a comprehensive database on the environmental impact of inhalers marketed in Spain, incorporating product specifications and environmental data from the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices and pharmaceutical companies. We developed a decision-making algorithm integrating clinical and environmental criteria and performed scenario projections to estimate potential benefits of transitioning from pressurised metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) to dry powder inhalers (DPIs) and other eco-friendly alternatives. Scenarios included global and individual projections, as well as comparisons between sustainable prescriptions and waste-management strategies. Results The national database revealed significant variability in the carbon footprint across inhaler types, with pMDIs showing the highest emissions. A shift of 10% from pMDIs to DPIs could reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 40 000 tonnes/year, and a 50% shift by up to 200 000 tonnes. The decision-making algorithm effectively combined clinical and environmental considerations, facilitating the selection of more sustainable inhalers. Conclusion The study highlights the importance of incorporating environmental criteria into inhaler prescribing choices to reduce healthcare’s carbon footprint. Transitioning from pMDIs to DPIs when clinically indicated offers considerable environmental benefits without compromising patient health. The developed decision-making algorithm provides a practical tool for healthcare professionals, balancing clinical efficacy with sustainability. Future research should refine these practices and explore their application in other medical devices.

Brass bands that include wind instruments are heavily affected by rules established during the pandemic. The aim of this experimental work was to assess the aerosols emitted through different wind instruments. The Aerodynamic Particle Sizer (APS) was used to measure the aerosols emitted and transmit those characteristics to a database. The results revealed that the dynamic level at which a note is produced, regardless of whether it is a clarinet, trumpet, or bassoon, significantly changes in aerosol concentrations emitted. Specifically, if there is a higher dynamic level, an increase in emissions of particle concentration will occur by comparing the levels piano, mezzo forte, and forte. These aerosols are produced with a diameter of approximately 0.8 μm, except for the Navarra bagpipe, which has a diameter of 1.8 μm. In addition, this last instrument is the one that emits more particles every second, reaching a value five times larger than that with two reeds, such as the bassoon. Staccato and legato are two well-known techniques among musicians that help in articulating a musical piece. The difference between the two methods in terms of the concentration of the number of particles is not remarkable and is almost negligible.

Two‐dimensional (2D) polymer network monolayers with novel block architectures were fabricated via sequential copolymerization within a pillared‐layer metal‐organic framework (MOF) that served as the reaction template. The MOF provides a confined 2D nanospace, restricting the crosslinking copolymerization of vinyl monomers to two dimensions. Sequential crosslinking copolymerization of methyl methacrylate and styrene, regulated by the reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) process, resulted in the formation of 2D block architectures with ‘patchy’ domains consisting of crosslinked poly(methyl methacrylate) and polystyrene segments. Atomic force microscopy revealed that the resulting block monolayers exhibited varied morphologies on substrates, attributed to their intrinsic flexibility in 2D conformation, which facilitated microphase separation of the 2D segments within monolayers, leading to the unique aggregation morphologies. The unprecedented block topology in 2D polymeric monolayers presented in this study introduces a novel strategy for designing 2D polymeric nanomaterials with flexible yet anisotropic properties.

Tissue engineering offers immense potential for addressing the unmet needs in repairing tissue damage and organ failure through enhanced vascularization using microfluidic and bioprinting methods.

The Guest Editors introduce RSC Sustainability’s themed collection on energy materials redesign, reuse and repurpose.

Strong gravitational magnification enables the detection of faint background sources and allows researchers to resolve their internal structures and even identify individual stars in distant galaxies. Highly magnified individual stars are useful in various applications, including studies of stellar populations in distant galaxies and constraining dark matter structures in the lensing plane. However, these applications have been hampered by the small number of individual stars observed, as typically one or a few stars are identified from each distant galaxy. Here, we report the discovery of more than 40 microlensed stars in a single galaxy behind Abell 370 at redshift of 0.725 (dubbed ‘the Dragon arc’) when the Universe was half of its current age, using James Webb Space Telescope observations with the time-domain technique. These events were found near the expected lensing critical curves, suggesting that these are magnified stars that appear as transients from intracluster stellar microlenses. Through multi-wavelength photometry, we constrained their stellar types and found that many of them are consistent with red giants or supergiants magnified by factors of hundreds. This finding reveals a high occurrence of microlensing events in the Dragon arc and demonstrates that time-domain observations by the James Webb Space Telescope could lead to the possibility of conducting statistical studies of high-redshift stars.

The expansion of floating offshore wind energy brings the industry closer to achieving commercial viability. However, the challenging marine environment—characterized by strong winds, waves, and currents—combined with the growing size of wind turbines and the dynamic behavior of floaters, raises concerns about power production efficiency and system durability due to increased loads. A critical component within floating wind platforms is the umbilical cable, responsible for transmitting generated energy. Any failure in this cable would result in the shutdown of, at least, the associated wind turbine, emphasizing the need for precise and early design. This work introduces a novel method based on catenary models, leveraging known boundary conditions to reduce computational effort and improve design accuracy. By comparing the proposed approach with an industry-standard method, the research aims to provide insights into the umbilical cable design.